New Year Detox: Beneficial or BS?!

By the time the new year comes around many of us feel a bit grotty.  Even if you’ve managed to swerve the various winter bugs, excess alcohol and/or sugar, and less activity in our disrupted routines leave us feeling like our bodies need a little more TLC.

So it’s natural that we want to kickstart the new year with a refresh.  Cue the marketing around cleanses and detoxes.  The fact is, that unless you have a specific medical issue like severe addiction withdrawal risks, you don’t need a “detox’.  Our bodies are pretty incredible at detoxifying naturally, thanks to our liver, kidneys, and other hardworking organs.

But that doesn’t mean that our systems can’t get overwhelmed, or sluggish, and generally need a little more support, not only to help the detoxification process to be more efficient, but to reduce the toxins we expose ourselves to.

 Why Detox Matters for Weight Loss, Hormonal Balance, and Energy Levels

 1. Weight Loss Support: When your body is bogged down by toxins, it can impact your metabolism. A gentle detox helps your body function optimally, supporting healthy weight management.  Many toxins are lipophilic (fat loving) so can get stored in fat cells to keep them from damaging other parts of the body.  As we lose weight, we want to be able to safely process and eliminate any toxins released as our fat cells empty. 

2. Hormonal Harmony: Toxins can mess with your hormones, leading to imbalances. For example, many compounds found in food packaging and cosmetics are hormonal disruptors (contributing to imbalance oestrogen and progesterone levels).  Supporting detoxification can assist your body in maintaining hormonal equilibrium, crucial for overall well-being.

3. Energy Levels: As toxins build up, they can contribute to fatigue. By supporting detoxification, you're providing it with the tools it needs to increase energy levels naturally.

Some Basic Tips to Get You Started on Supporting Detoxification

 1. Hydrate! Sip on water throughout the day to flush out toxins. If you struggle to remember this (easily done when you’re busy), set a reminder on your phone every hour to drink water. 

2. Eat a Rainbow: Load up on veggies and fruits of different colours. Their natural goodness provides essential nutrients and antioxidants, as well as fibre to support the elimination of toxins. 

Both adequate hydration and at least 6-8 portions of veggies will help to avoid constipation, which is not detoxification’s friend!

3. Sweat it Out: Whether it's yoga, a brisk walk, or dancing around your living room, or lifting weight, breaking a sweat helps eliminate toxins through your skin and boosts those feel-good endorphins, as well as all the other great benefits exercise gives.

 4. Herbal Allies: Incorporate detox-friendly herbs like dandelion, ginger, coriander and turmeric into your meals or teas. These herbs support liver function and aid in the elimination of waste.

If you want to dive a little deeper into detoxification with more in depth info , tips and guidance; if you want Monday to Friday 15-minute yoga and workout sessions, and delicious, healthy meal plans geared towards supporting detoxification this month – then join us in the You By Anthea Together Community!  Find out more here.

And if you are ready to take action with a personalised nutrition, lifestyle and workout programme then book in a free, no obligation discovery call here.

Remember, our focus at You By Anthea is not about counting calories or deprivation but nurturing our bodies with positive choices. Embrace these simple detoxification support tips, and let's kick off the year feeling rejuvenated, confident, and ready to conquer whatever comes our way!

Here's to a vibrant and healthy 2024!x